Iran Makes Stark Threat to U.S. Forces in Middle East

A senior Iranian military commander has warned that American forces in the Middle East would face retaliation if the U.S. launches military action against Iran.

Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) aerospace unit, cautioned that U.S. troops in the region are in a vulnerable position. “It’s like they’re sitting in a glass house. And when you’re in a glass house, you don’t throw stones at others.” he told state TV on Monday.

Why It Matters

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated sharply after Trump reimposed his “maximum pressure” policy on Iran. In 2018, the U.S. withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal. This has led to severe economic sanctions on Iran. Despite these pressures, Iran has ramped up its activities, saying that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. However, as diplomatic efforts for a new nuclear deal falter, the situation has become increasingly volatile.

What to Know

Hajizadeh’s warning came after Trump stated in an NBC interview that military action against Iran is a real possibility. “If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing,” Trump said. “It will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei responded by vowing a “strong counterattack” if the U.S. or its allies launch an attack.

Missiles Loaded for Launch

Meanwhile, the Tehran Times reported on X on Sunday that Iran’s missiles are “loaded onto launchers in all underground missile cities and are ready for launch.” The state run newspaper issued a stern warning, stating that any escalation would come “at a heavy cost for the US government and its allies.”

Trump’s Letter

Earlier this month, Trump sent a letter to Khamenei, urging nuclear negotiations while warning of possible military action. The letter was swiftly rejected and Khamenei accused Trump of trying to mislead global opinion by portraying Iran as unwilling to negotiate.

Yet despite rejecting direct talks, Iran has indicated a willingness to engage in indirect negotiations, signaling a potential path forward.

What People Are Saying

Head of the IRGC’s Aerospace Unit Amir Ali Hajizadeh warned: “The Americans have around ten military bases in the region—at least near Iran—and 50,000 troops. It’s like they’re sitting in a glass house. And when you’re in a glass house, you don’t throw stones at others.”

Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft told Newsweek: “The war of words are heating up between Washington and Tehran as Trump is threatening full-scale bombing and Tehran warns of swift retaliation. Neither side wants war and both sides appear to treat this as a prelude to negotiations. However, unless realistic bargaining positions are adopted by both sides and a discarding of maximalist approaches, this escalatory rhetoric may trap them both in a war that neither side wants.”

What Happens Next

Despite Tehran’s rejection of direct talks, Iranian officials have confirmed that Khamenei has permitted indirect negotiations. However, with Trump’s “maximum pressure” policy in full force and Israel viewing Iran’s nuclear progress as an existential threat, the potential for military conflict remains high.